Tourism and hospitality leaders in Bahrain are preparing for a surge of visitors from Saudi Arabia as international borders reopen later this month. They hope to recover huge losses suffered during the pandemic.
Once restrictions are lifted on May 17, officials expect visitor numbers from the kingdom to return to pre-pandemic levels and offer a much needed economic boost.
Figures from the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority showed visitor numbers in the first quarter of 2020 were almost half that of the previous year.
Two million tourist nights were recorded, compared with 4.1 million in the same three-month period of 2019.
Many visitors travelled to Bahrain from Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway, but that was closed on March 8, 2020, because of Covid-19.
We look forward to welcoming our neighbours back to the country
"The reopening of the KSA/Bahrain border is extremely welcome for businesses of all shapes and sizes across Bahrain who consider our connection to Saudi Arabia a strategic artery for ongoing growth," said Sameer Nass, chairman of the Bahrain Chambers of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).
“Our long-standing trade and tourism ties with Saudi Arabia are set to flourish once again in 2021.
"The progress both countries have made towards implementing safety measures against Covid-19 means that we can now look ahead to a time when the causeway will be open on a permanent basis.
“We look forward to welcoming our neighbours back to the country.”
As the global pandemic took hold, visitor numbers to Bahrain fell by 92 per cent in March 2020, from 1,154,318 to just 92,046.
Officials hope a rapid bounce-back could mean a $2.9 billion boost to Bahrain’s economy as tourists begin to return to the island state.
Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have long-standing tourism and trade ties.
Trade between the two countries grew 43 per cent during the third quarter of 2020.
The recent announcement made about permanently opening the King Fahad Causeway will strengthen those ties further, it is hoped.
Saudi Arabia will lift the ban on travel for its vaccinated citizens on May 17, allowing movement by land, air and sea.
Vaccinated adults who have received both doses, or one dose 14 days prior to the date of departure, will be allowed to travel, as will all Saudis aged under 18 and those who have recovered from Covid-19 in the past six months.
Saudia airlines on Wednesday issued guidelines for 38 countries for when borders reopen. Bahrain, like other Gulf states, is listed.
Before the pandemic, Bahrain welcomed about 11 million tourists, with about 88 per cent of them arriving across the King Fahd causeway.
“The number of visitors from Saudi Arabia is set to gradually go back to normal levels,” said Dr Ali Al-Moulani, President of the Bahrain Economists Society.
“It is expected to add about $2.9 billion to Bahrain’s economy this year based on average tourist spending in 2019.”
Saudia airlines issues travel guidelines to 38 countries
Muguruza's singles career in stats
WTA titles 3
Prize money US$11,128,219 (Dh40,873,133.82)
Wins / losses 293 / 149
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
If you go
The flights
There are various ways of getting to the southern Serengeti in Tanzania from the UAE. The exact route and airstrip depends on your overall trip itinerary and which camp you’re staying at.
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Kilimanjaro International Airport from Dh1,350 return, including taxes; this can be followed by a short flight from Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti with Coastal Aviation from about US$700 (Dh2,500) return, including taxes. Kenya Airways, Emirates and Etihad offer flights via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Dark Souls: Remastered
Developer: From Software (remaster by QLOC)
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Price: Dh199
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Essentials
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct from the UAE to Los Angeles, from Dh4,975 return, including taxes. The flight time is 16 hours. Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Aeromexico and Southwest all fly direct from Los Angeles to San Jose del Cabo from Dh1,243 return, including taxes. The flight time is two-and-a-half hours.
The trip
Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic’s eight-day Whales Wilderness itinerary costs from US$6,190 (Dh22,736) per person, twin share, including meals, accommodation and excursions, with departures in March and April 2018.
List of alleged parties
May 15 2020: PM and Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at
least 17 staff members
May 20 2020: PM and Carrie attend 'bring your own booze'
party
Nov 27 2020: PM gives speech at leaving do for his staff
Dec 10 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary
Gavin Williamson
Dec 13 2020: PM and Carrie throw a flat party
Dec 14 2020: London mayor candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff party at Conservative
Party headquarters
Dec 15 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz
Dec 18 2020: Downing Street Christmas party
Sugary teas and iced coffees
The tax authority is yet to release a list of the taxed products, but it appears likely that sugary iced teas and cold coffees will be hit.
For instance, the non-fizzy drink AriZona Iced Tea contains 65 grams of sugar – about 16 teaspoons – per 680ml can. The average can costs about Dh6, which would rise to Dh9.
Cold coffee brands are likely to be hit too. Drinks such as Starbucks Bottled Mocha Frappuccino contain 31g of sugar in 270ml, while Nescafe Mocha in a can contains 15.6g of sugar in a 240ml can.
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